Russia is continuing its power push in the Middle East by inserting itself into the dispute between Israel and Palestine.

According to The New York Times, Russia's decision to try to help resolve the conflict is motivated not by wanting peace, but by flexing its muscles in front of the United States.

Russia has also meddled in the Syrian conflict. Its actions in the Ukraine have raised eyebrows in the U.S. and throughout NATO. Russia has ties with Iran as well, a country that has harassed American warships in international waters this year and captured 10 U.S. sailors in January.

Russia is now trying to broker a meeting in Moscow between the Israelis and the Palestinians to jumpstart the peace process.

"They're eager to become an important player, a big shot in the Middle East," former Israeli ambassador to Russia Zvi Magen told the Times.

"The idea is not to reach any specific results, but it's good for Russia. They don't need results. They need the process itself."

At issue are preconditions the Palestinians want in place in order for a meeting to happen. Netanyahu said he would meet but without any strings attached.

"If the Palestinian Authority can say with one voice that they are willing to meet without preconditions, then Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet President Abbas," Netanyahu spokesman David Keyes said, according to Fox News.

The U.S. and Russia, meanwhile have struck a deal to help bring peace in Syria.

"Today, Sergei Lavrov and I, on behalf of our presidents and our countries call on every Syrian stakeholder to support the plan that the United States and Russia have reached, to ... bring this catastrophic conflict to the quickest possible end through a political process," Secretary of State John Kerry said.